Myth-Busting: 7 Common Myths About Cats Debunked

1. Myth: Black cats are unlucky.
   Reality: Black cats have long been associated with superstitions, especially in Western culture, but there is nothing inherently unlucky about them. This myth likely arose in medieval Europe when black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars or shape-shifting demons. In truth, different cultures interpret black cats differently. For example, in Japan a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck for finding a suitor, and in Scotland a black cat arriving at your doorstep signifies prosperity​. The “unlucky black cat” is just a cultural superstition – sadly, one that still causes black cats to be adopted less from shelters. The only “bad luck” a black cat might bring is to the rodents in your house!
2. Myth: Cats have nine lives.
   Reality: The idea that cats have nine lives is a charming proverb, not a fact. Cats are agile and often survive falls or accidents that would seriously injure other animals – hence the saying. The origin of “nine lives” may trace back to an old English proverb and even a Shakespeare reference​. In reality, cats have one life (just like every other creature), and they can be injured or killed by serious trauma. Their righting reflex and toughness can make it seem like they cheat death (a cat falling from a tree might walk away, whereas a human would break a bone), but they are not invincible. So we must keep them safe and healthy with regular vet care, not assume they’ll magically survive dangers​.
3. Myth: Cats always land on their feet.
   Reality: Cats usually land on their feet thanks to their righting reflex, but not always, and not under all conditions. If a cat has enough time during a fall, it will twist its body to orient feet downward​. However, short falls (where they don’t have time to turn) or very long falls (where velocity is too great) can result in severe injuries even if they land feet-first​. Veterinarians often treat cats for broken jaws, legs, or other injuries from high-rise syndrome – cats falling from apartment windows. So while the feline body is amazing, it’s a myth that they have a guaranteed gymnastic safety system. Don’t let the saying lull you into complacency: keep window screens secure and never toss a cat, assuming it will land unharmed.
4. Myth: Cats purr only when they’re happy.
   Reality: Purring is commonly a sign of contentment – like a cat’s smile – but cats also purr in other situations. Kittens can purr just days after birth, and they purr while nursing to communicate comfort with mom. Adult cats often purr when they’re relaxed and enjoying attention. However, cats also purr when in pain or distress as a self-soothing mechanism​. It’s not unusual for a sick or injured cat to purr; some experts believe the low-frequency vibrations even promote healing. Cats may also purr to solicit care or food from humans (sometimes embedding a high-pitched cry in the purr to make it urgent). So, a purr doesn’t always equal “I’m happy” – it can also mean “I need comfort” or “please help me.” Always consider context: a cat purring while hiding in a corner might be trying to calm itself, whereas one purring on your lap is likely expressing contentment.
5. Myth: Cats are antisocial loners (or don’t love their owners).
   Reality: Cats have a reputation for being independent, even aloof. It’s true that cats are more self-reliant than pack-oriented dogs, and as solitary hunters in the wild they didn’t need complex social packs. But domestic cats can be quite social and affectionate – they often form strong bonds with their human families and even with other pets. Feral cats may live alone, but given resources and safety, they will form colonies and social structures (often centered around female kin)​. Many cats greet their owners at the door, follow them from room to room, and show affection through head-butting, sitting nearby, or grooming their humans. Every cat has a unique personality: some are more outgoing and cuddly, others more reserved. But it’s a myth that cats don’t care about people. They can and do experience attachment. In fact, recent studies using separation tests have shown cats can have similar attachment styles to humans as dogs and babies do. So if someone says “cats aren’t loving,” they probably just haven’t met the right cats (or earned the cat’s trust yet!).
6. Myth: Cats are nocturnal.
   Reality: Many people think cats are nocturnal creatures, active all night and sleeping all day. In fact, cats are crepuscular – most active at dawn and dusk​. In the wild, those are prime hunting times when their rodent prey are active. Your cat might bug you at 5 AM because its instincts say it’s hunting hour. But cats do not have true night vision and they don’t exclusively roam at night. They can’t see in complete darkness (no animal can), though they do see far better in low light than we do (with about 5-7 times better low-light vision)​. House cats often adapt to their owners’ schedules quite well and can sleep at night. So calling cats “nocturnal” is a bit of a misnomer – they’re actually twilight specialists. If your cat is hyper at midnight, it’s likely due to pent-up energy or inconsistent routine, not an innate need to be up all night.
7. Myth: Pregnant women must get rid of their cats (due to toxoplasmosis).
   Reality: This myth has led to heartbreak and needless rehoming of cats. The concern is toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that cats can carry and shed in their feces, which can be dangerous to a fetus if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy. While toxoplasmosis is real, a pregnant woman is far more likely to get it from handling raw meat or gardening (soil) than from her cat​. Basic precautions allow pregnant cat owners to safely keep their pets: have someone else clean the litter box daily (the parasite doesn’t become infectious until 1-2 days after being shed), or wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after changing litter. Keep your cat indoors and on commercial food (to prevent it from eating infected prey). There is no need to part with a beloved cat – OB/GYNs agree that with hygiene and care, the risk is minimal. In short, pregnant women can absolutely live with cats​; just handle litter duty carefully and practice good sanitation. (Many couples find that practice useful for all the future diapers, too!)

By separating fact from fiction, we can better care for our feline companions and appreciate them for who they really are. Cats don’t need mystical nine lives or bad-luck labels – the real cats are fascinating enough! Next time you hear a weird claim about cats, remember these debunked myths and spread the truth so that cats get the understanding (and love) they deserve.

Sources: Black cats are viewed as lucky in some cultures, dispelling the Western notion of bad luck​ us.feliway.com. The “nine lives” myth is a proverb; cats are agile but not immortal (veterinary care and caution are still needed)​ us.feliway.com. Cats usually land on their feet due to their righting reflex, but they can still be injured in falls​ petfinder.com